Weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps

ABSTRACT

A weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions  12 , both laterally and longitudinally. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The centrally located weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to weightlifting equipment. More particularly, it relates to an improved exercise apparatus for isolating the triceps muscles.

STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART

Various types of barbell and dumbbell arrangements for isolating specific muscle groups are known. Additionally, other non-traditional exercising apparatus purporting to isolate and exercise a specific muscle group or groups are available. These apparatuses generally suffer from major drawbacks. One major drawback is that all barbell apparatuses having a relatively long bar are difficult to balance. There are two reasons for this difficulty. First, because the bar is long and the weight is very heavy relative to the bar, significant torque is generated since the weights are connected to the end of the bar thus producing a long lever arm depending upon the user hand positions. Also, even most accomplished body builders have strength differences between their left and right arms, requiring the user to exert extra strength to both compensate for the strength difference and balance the weight. Once the user becomes fatigued, the ability to compensate for the weight difference is seriously compromised resulting in a dangerous off balance position which has often resulted in injury.

Accordingly, some apparatuses which do not use weights have been devised. These apparatuses tend to be associated with large expensive fitness machines which have limited effectiveness for serious body builders and are thus rarely used by them. Furthermore, these apparatuses tend to use mechanical parts which are highly specialized and subject to failure such as rubberized bands and tension means, and hydraulics. Finally, weight bearing exercise apparatuses having a centered weight or weights have been devised. None of these apparatuses is seen to be as effective as the present invention.

Another common problem with weightlifting equipment, specifically associated with triceps exercisers, is that most equipment used for working triceps require that palms face upward. This type of hand position makes it difficult to keep the elbows inward especially while lifting heavy weight. Without strict form, other upper body muscles are recruited while lifting the weight. This action reduces the effectiveness of the exercise.

Another common problem with triceps exercisers is the inability to keep proper and strict form while performing overhead triceps extensions. The traditional way to perform this exercise is with either a straight bar or curl bar, in an overhead position, with palms facing up. This exercise requires that the bar be lowered behind the neck and then back up above the head. The problem with this movement is keeping strict form. Due to palm position (facing up) it's awkward keeping elbows in and palms facing up throughout this movement. There's a natural tendency to allow the elbows to protrude outward, away from the body.

An additional shortcoming germane to free weight assemblies in general, is the need to replace weight plates to increase the effective resistance. While some weight machines allow for repositioning weight plates or weight bearing components in order to increase the effective resistance for a particular exercise, this type of adjustment is not available on barbells, dumbbells, or other free weight supporting apparatuses.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,222 issued to Shannon discloses a weightlifting exercising bar. The bar has a center section with grasping handles formed therein. The weights are disposed on either end of the bar. While this apparatus can be used to isolate triceps, it suffers from the aforementioned balancing problem. The apparatus also allows for only one hand placement. By contrast, the present invention has a centrally located weight plate securing means which substantially reduces the balancing problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,634 issued to Pointer discloses a dumbbell adapted to be held behind the user's head while performing sit ups. While Pointer does disclose a central weight, he does not disclose hand position and spacing conducive to triceps extensions. By contrast, the present invention discloses a triceps extension apparatus which allows multiple hand positions and spacing.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps. The apparatus includes a central weight bearing section with opposing handles, each handle having multiple gripping positions. The apparatus may be held behind the head and then repeatedly extended over the head in order to isolate and exercise the triceps. The weight bearing section can accommodate a number of weight plates and includes a clamping arrangement for securely holding the plates in a central position. The weight plates are designed to be compact and low profile and are thus of non-standard configuration. At least two plates are provided, the plates designed for interlocking attachment with only a single locking pin. A number of other exercises are facilitated with the apparatus. In an alternative embodiment, means for increasing the effective resistance for specific exercises, while maintaining a given mass, is provided.

The primary hand position on the apparatus of the present invention requires a closed (facing each other) hand position. By utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation throughout the movement. When fatigue sets in during an exercise, there is a tendency to break form to complete the exercise. The apparatus will not allow deviation because the hand position forces the elbows to remain inward.

Alternatively, the apparatus allows for a standard or traditional hand position. This hand position is achieved by using both hands and grabbing hold of each inside arch of the unit.

The apparatus alleviates the tendency to resort to improper form, thereby recruiting other muscles to complete the exercise, by changing hand position, by changing from a palms up hand position to an end-to-end hand position. This creates a natural feel, making it easier to keep the elbows perpendicular to the body.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which has a centrally located weight bearing section.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which has opposing handles with multiple gripping positions.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps which allow for end to end hand placement.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having at least two substantially rectangular, mutually interlocking, low profile weight plates.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved weightlifting apparatus for exercising the triceps having means for extending the effective center of gravity of the apparatus to increase resistance for particular exercises.

Finally, it is a general object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention with weight plates attached in an extended position.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the apparatus of the invention with weight plates attached in an extended position.

FIG. 4 shows a front view, partly in section, of an alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front view, partly in section of the weight plates the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded sectional view of the weight plates of the alternative embodiment of the weightlifting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view, partly in section, of the underside of upper weight plate of the weightlifting apparatus shown in FIG. 6

FIG. 8 shows a top sectional view of the weight plates shown in FIG. 6 detailing the interconnection of the upper and lower plates.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in an initial position.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in a fully extended position.

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in an initial position.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a user using the weightlifting apparatus in a fully extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral 1, is shown. The apparatus 1, has particular application as a triceps exerciser, its shape facilitating overhead triceps extensions. The apparatus 1 has two main components, the bar and handle assembly, and the support and clamping assembly.

The bar 10 is preferably formed by bending a single, solid piece of iron bar or tube stock. The tube stock should be about 1 inch in diameter, and should have a total length of about 4 feet. This length of bar 10 will create an optimal hand spacing for the average weightlifter. Of course, the length of the bar 10 may be adjusted to adjust the hand spacing. The surface of bar 10 can be bare metal, plated, plastic coated, or painted, as desired. Also, the surface of the bar 10 may be textured to enhance grip. The bar 10 has two mutually opposed handle extensions, 12, each extension having a main gripping area 16, and two alternate gripping areas 18, 20. The main handle extension 12 may include a padded sleeve. The final configuration of bar 10 is characterized in that the combined assembly has a center of gravity which lies between handle extensions 12, both laterally and longitudinally. The center of gravity may be adjusted to increase the effective resistance of the weights as will be explained in connection with the alternative embodiment discussed below. This feature is significant since it enables a user to grasp handles 12 and lift the apparatus 1 without there being a resultant torsional loading exerted on the user's wrists. This feature would not result if the main handle extensions 12 were offset. It can be seen that the bar 10 has a level portion 24 parallel to weight bearing platform 26 which, in the event the bar 10 has a total length of 4 feet long prior to shaping, may be about 4 inches.

An upstanding post 30 is used to position one or more standard weight plates 32 on the platform 26, the post 30 secured to the platform by an suitable means, and may even be releasably secured to the platform 26 to allow for the use of smaller diameter posts 30 to accommodate weight plates 32 having various standard center apertures. A key feature of the invention is the provision of a post 30 allowing for positioning weight plates 32 at various distances from the platform 26 to vary the effective resistance for certain exercises as will be explained in more detail below. The weight bearing platform 26, upstanding post 30, and releasable clamping means 38 form the support and clamping subassembly. The centrally located weight bearing platform 26 is secured to the bar 10 which may be made of the same material as the bar 10. Attachment of the platform 26 to the bar 10 is preferably accomplished by welding to eliminate a single stress point, or a plurality of stress points which can cause failure of the apparatus 1 after repeated use or during heavy weightlifting. While the platform 26 is shown as square, any shape will suffice for the platform, provided it is substantially symmetrical. Also, bar 10 may be welded to the underside of the platform 26 allowing the platform 26 to be relatively large. It can be appreciated that the width and length of the platform 26 can be limited to the space 40 between parallel bar segments 42, 44 and the length of segments 42, 44. Of course, the upstanding post 30 is centrally located to ensure that the symmetry of the apparatus 1 is maintained. It can be seen that the post 30 can accommodate a number of weight plates 32.

A key aspect of the invention is the provision of a support and clamping assembly which allows one or more weight plates 32 to be suspended above the platform 26 and therefore further away from the hands of the user. It can be appreciated that positioning the weights 32 above the platform creates torsional loading which is directly proportional to the additional length of post 30 between the center of gravity of the plates 32 and the platform 26. The additional torque, and therefore the effective resistance due to the weight of the plates 32 will be primarily apparent for exercise routines where the arc of motion of the opposed gripping areas 16 of the handle 12 is in the direction shown by arrow 132. The increased resistance is apparent regardless of which portion of the handle 102 is gripped, provided the motion is perpendicular to post 30. Any routine such as a bench press where the primary motion is parallel to the bar 10, as shown with arrow 48, will not be subject to an increase in resistance other than some additional effort required to balance the apparatus.

The clamping means 38 consists of a locking collar 52 and spring loaded weight pin 54, both of which are of standard configuration. The pin 54 is adapted for insertion into and through aligned apertures 56 on opposing sides of post 30, and preferably at least three discrete positions are available for the insertion of the pin 54. Once pin 54 is secured through a selected pair of apertures 56, one or more weight plates 32 may be placed over the post, coming to rest on the pin 54. Locking collar 52 may then be placed on the post 30 and slid downwardly until coming to rest upon the top surface of the uppermost weight plate 32. Thus, in use, the user 50 selects a pair of aligned apertures 56 and inserts pin 54 therethrough, adding weight plates 32 and locking collar 52 to secure the apparatus for use. To obtain a different effective weight, the user 50 can select a different pair of apertures 56.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4-8. A key feature of this embodiment of the invention is the use of mutually interlocking weight plates to allow for a more compact and easily adjustable apparatus 100. In this configuration, the apparatus 100 is designed for aerobics and muscle toning routines, not for power lifting. While several interlocking weight plates may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, in the preferred embodiment only two plates are used. It can be seen that the weight plates include an upper plate 128 and a lower plate 130, the lower plate 130 being secured to the assembly by bolts 132 which are inserted into and through apertures 134 in the weight bearing platform 126. The platform 126 is secured to the bar 127 by welding as in the previous embodiment, the bar 127 configured in an identical manner to that of the previous embodiment, including multiple gripping areas as discussed above. The apertures 134 correspond to threaded bores 138 formed in lower plate 130 so that bolts 132 extend into and through apertures 134 and are threadedly engaged within bores 138.

Weight plates 128, 130 are configured for interlock by way of downwardly protruding male member 144 extending from upper plate 128, which is sized for engagement within female receptacle 146 formed in lower plate 130. It can be seen that laterally opposed edges 147 of the male member 144 are beveled, as are the interior sidewalls 149 of the receptacle 146 to “funnel” the upper plate 128 into position. Bore 148 formed in upper plate 128 is axially aligned with bore 150 formed in lower plate 130 when the male member 144 is properly seated within receptacle 146. A spring loaded pin 152, of the type commonly used with barbells, is insertable within the aligned bores, with opposing projecting pieces 154 serving to limit axial movement of the pin 152 as is well known. The upper plate is characterized by a pair of recessed areas 155 which allow easier access to the front edge 157 of the lower plate. Thus, this embodiment allows at least three discrete weight settings, the minimum with no plates, the maximum with at least two plates.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the apparatus 1 being used for a triceps extension exercise. After adding weights as described above, the user 50 assumes an initial or starting position for a particular exercise routine. The initial position of the user 50 when performing the triceps exercise movement is shown with reference to FIGS. 9 and 11.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the initial position of the bar with respect to the user. Both hands grasp main gripping areas 16 and the apparatus 1 is placed behind the user's head. The apparatus 1 is thereafter raised along an arc over the user's head to the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. The positioning and orientation of gripping areas 16 is ideal for the triceps extension exercise since the user's hands are positioned end to end. By utilizing this unique hand position, the arms are forced to stay closer together, therefore retaining strict triceps isolation throughout the movement. As the apparatus 1 is lifted over the user's head, there is no resultant torque load being imposed on the user's wrist due to the center of gravity placement described previously. Use of a conventional barbell for this exercise results in an undesirable grasping angle, and the elbows are forced outward, as opposed to the grasping angle illustrated in FIG. 11 where the elbows are in. A more traditional hand placement may be facilitated by grasping the apparatus 1 by grasping either of the alternate gripping areas 18, 20. It can be seen that the width of the apparatus 1 also serves a role in causing optimal hand placement as has been previously described. The apparatus may be made slightly larger to accommodate weightlifters with exceptionally wide shoulders. Other exercise routines may be utilized using the apparatuses 1, 100, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims: 

1. An exercise apparatus designed to receive weight plates and collars comprising: a weight receiving central portion; a pair of handle portions extending from and securely fastened to said central portion, each of said handle portions having a centrally located main gripping area and a pair of mutually opposed secondary gripping areas; at least one upper and a lower weight plate, said at least one upper weight plate having a downwardly projecting male member and said lower weight plate having a receptacle sized for receiving said male member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portions extend from said central portion at an angle of about 20 degrees.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said handle portions are formed from a single piece of metal stock.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said main gripping areas and said secondary gripping areas are formed on equal length portions of said tube stock.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said main gripping areas are parallel and said secondary gripping areas extend towards said central portion from said main gripping area. 